Nathan B Oman

No American religion has had a more contentious and complex relationship with the law than Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Living Oracles delves into the conflicts between Latter-day Saints and the legal system, their efforts to establish their own legal institutions, and how this new religious tradition has developed its unique approach to the law. Along the way it tells the story of Mormonism's place in the law of church and state, the legal battles over polygamy, and the rise and fall of the Mormon court system. Living Oracles maps out the structure of Mormon legal thought and provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of divine law in Latter-day Saint theology, the place of natural law in Latter-day Saint thought, the concept of legal obligation, and concepts of freedom and equality in the Latter-day Saint tradition, including Mormons' fraught relationship with race. Through sophisticated engagement with Mormon history and theology, Nathan B. Oman examines how the LDS Church navigated America's often-hostile legal regime and examines the history of Mormon approaches to specific areas of law, including property and contract, polygamy, divorce, and same sex-marriage. This work also traces the appearance of the U.S. Constitution in Mormon scripture and how the notion of a "divinely inspired constitution" has been utilized by Latter-day Saints throughout their history.

Law and the Restoration: Law and Latter-day Saint Thought and Scripture is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between legal principles and the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Author Nathan B. Oman delves into the profound ways in which Mormon theology intersects with legal concepts, offering readers a detailed analysis of church doctrines, their authority, and their implications for members' daily lives. In doing so, Oman addresses foundational questions about the nature of church authority, the role of personal judgment, and the dynamic interplay between divine law and secular legal systems. The book is not just an academic treatise but a thoughtful discourse aimed at elucidating how Mormons navigate complex moral and legal landscapes in their quest to reconcile faith with modern societal norms.Each chapter in Law and Latter-day Saint Thought and Scripture serves as a deep dive into specific aspects of Mormon doctrine and its legal ramifications. From the examination of Nephi's actions in the Book of Mormon to the contemporary debates surrounding same-sex marriage and civil disobedience, Oman provides a balanced and respectful analysis that seeks to understand rather than critique. This book is an invaluable resource for scholars, legal practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection of religion and law, providing a rich narrative that underscores the ongoing dialogue between faith and jurisprudence within the Latter-day Saint tradition.

Law and the Restoration: Law and Latter-day Saint Thought and Scripture is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between legal principles and the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Author Nathan B. Oman delves into the profound ways in which Mormon theology intersects with legal concepts, offering readers a detailed analysis of church doctrines, their authority, and their implications for members' daily lives. In doing so, Oman addresses foundational questions about the nature of church authority, the role of personal judgment, and the dynamic interplay between divine law and secular legal systems. The book is not just an academic treatise but a thoughtful discourse aimed at elucidating how Mormons navigate complex moral and legal landscapes in their quest to reconcile faith with modern societal norms.Each chapter in Law and Latter-day Saint Thought and Scripture serves as a deep dive into specific aspects of Mormon doctrine and its legal ramifications. From the examination of Nephi's actions in the Book of Mormon to the contemporary debates surrounding same-sex marriage and civil disobedience, Oman provides a balanced and respectful analysis that seeks to understand rather than critique. This book is an invaluable resource for scholars, legal practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection of religion and law, providing a rich narrative that underscores the ongoing dialogue between faith and jurisprudence within the Latter-day Saint tradition.

Law and the Restoration: Law and Latter-day Saint History is a profound exploration of the intricate legal history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this first of two volumes, Nathan B. Oman delves into the unique intersection of law and religion, uncovering how legal frameworks have shaped and been shaped by the experiences of Latter-day Saints. Through a series of meticulously researched essays, Oman reveals the profound impact of legal conflicts and developments on the growth and identity of the Church. From the early struggles for legal recognition and the battles over polygamy to the establishment of corporate entities and the role of religious courts, this book offers a comprehensive and enlightening narrative of the Church's legal journey.Oman's scholarly work extends beyond mere historical recounting; it situates the Mormon legal experience within the broader context of American legal history. By examining the ways in which the Latter-day Saints navigated the legal challenges posed by a predominantly Protestant legal system, Oman provides invaluable insights into the broader themes of religious freedom, church-state relations, and legal pluralism. Each chapter is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Church, highlighting pivotal moments and key figures who influenced its legal standing.

Law and the Restoration: Law and Latter-day Saint History is a profound exploration of the intricate legal history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this first of two volumes, Nathan B. Oman delves into the unique intersection of law and religion, uncovering how legal frameworks have shaped and been shaped by the experiences of Latter-day Saints. Through a series of meticulously researched essays, Oman reveals the profound impact of legal conflicts and developments on the growth and identity of the Church. From the early struggles for legal recognition and the battles over polygamy to the establishment of corporate entities and the role of religious courts, this book offers a comprehensive and enlightening narrative of the Church's legal journey.Oman's scholarly work extends beyond mere historical recounting; it situates the Mormon legal experience within the broader context of American legal history. By examining the ways in which the Latter-day Saints navigated the legal challenges posed by a predominantly Protestant legal system, Oman provides invaluable insights into the broader themes of religious freedom, church-state relations, and legal pluralism. Each chapter is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Church, highlighting pivotal moments and key figures who influenced its legal standing.

Why should the law care about enforcing contracts? We tend to think of a contract as the legal embodiment of a moral obligation to keep a promise. When two parties enter into a transaction, they are obligated as moral beings to play out the transaction in the way that both parties expect. But this overlooks a broader understanding of the moral possibilities of the market. Just as Shakespeare's Shylock can stand on his contract with Antonio not because Antonio is bound by honor but because the enforcement of contracts is seen as important to maintaining a kind of social arrangement, today's contracts serve a fundamental role in the functioning of society. With The Dignity of Commerce, Nathan B. Oman argues persuasively that well-functioning markets are morally desirable in and of themselves and thus a fit object of protection through contract law. Markets, Oman shows, are about more than simple economic efficiency. To do business with others, we must demonstrate understanding of and satisfy their needs. This ability to see the world from another's point of view inculcates key virtues that support a liberal society. Markets also provide a context in which people can peacefully cooperate in the absence of political, religious, or ideological agreement. Finally, the material prosperity generated by commerce has an ameliorative effect on a host of social ills, from racial discrimination to environmental destruction. The first book to place the moral status of the market at the center of the justification for contract law, The Dignity of Commerce is sure to elicit serious discussion about this central area of legal studies.